How is inference defined?

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Inferring means drawing a conclusion about what happened by using evidence and reasoning. It relies on observed clues and what we already know to form the most reasonable explanation. It’s not a random guess without basis, and it isn’t definitive scientific proof that confirms something beyond doubt, nor is it an official court ruling, which is a formal legal decision. So describing inference as an educated guess on what did happen best captures what it means to infer. For example, finding footprints and a disturbed plant might lead you to infer that someone was present, even if you don’t see the person directly.